Pufahl named captain, Skapski traded

First off, Matt Pufahl has been named the team’s captain for the 2013-14 season. The overage defenseman had been one of three players sporting an “A” as an alternate captain during the first nine games of the season, but he’s been upgraded to the “C.”

Pufahl takes over for Ryan Murray, who was Everett’s captain last season, even though he missed the final four months because of a shoulder injury.

It pretty remarkable, considering Pufahl has been a member of the organization for less than four months. But he’s made an immediate impression on the ice, and clearly he made an impression off it, too.

Forwards Joshua Winquist, Manraj Hayer and Kohl Bauml will serve as the alternates. Winquist and Hayer, Everett’s other overagers, were already wearing their letters. For Bauml it’s his first time with a letter.

The other news today is that winger Mitch Skapski was traded to Victoria in exchange for prospect defenseman Mark Nerland. The 17-year-old Skapski was in his second season with the Tips after being part of the trade that sent Seth Jones to Portland. But Skapski only got into one of Everett’s first nine games, and my understanding is that he was looking for more ice time. He had two goals in 34 games last season. Interestingly, he takes the roster spot in Victoria vacated when another former Silvertip, Trent Lofthouse, was traded to Vancouver on Wednesday.

Nerland is also in his 17-year-old season. He’s currently playing with the Camrose Kodiaks of the AJHL, where he has two assists in eight games. He is not expected to join the Tips this season.

The trade leaves Everett with just 22 players on its roster: 12 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders, so the Tips are starting to look a little thin. It’s OK now, as Everett has been fortunate so far with regards to injuries. However, I suspect the Tips will be taking steps to at least bring in another forward.